Repeatedly Collapsible Retail Stand Toy

ABSTRACT

A retail stand toy that provides for an attractive and sturdy structure, but which can be readily broken down into a folded up arrangement and stored or transported. The stand is generally intended to be a toy so that children can have a retail stand that they can decorate and play with, but which parents can readily collapse and store in a compact fashion when they move on to something else. The stand is sufficiently inexpensive to construct that if it becomes damaged, it can be thrown out or recycled, while still allowing for multiple uses if it is used with a reasonable degree of care.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/862,421, filed Aug. 5, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

Described herein is a retail stand toy which can be collapsed and carried for easy storage.

2. Description of the Related Art

The lemonade stand is an American institution. During the summer, it is common for children to setup up tables in their driveways or along the roads near their houses, make a pitcher of lemonade, and sell it by the cup to those who pass by. While the stand traditionally sells lemonade, the lemonade stand is really a much broader retail stand and children (and even adults) can offer a wide variety of products in a similar manner. This can include, but is not limited to, any form of beverage, any form of food, school fundraising items, collections for charity, or tickets to events. The lemonade stand is even enshrined in popular culture with such items as Lucy (from the comic strip “Peanuts”) selling psychiatric help for 5 cents from her stand. Such a stand is immediately identifiable (and even readily parodied).

While the idea of the retail stand toy, as that term is used herein, is near ubiquitous, its construction often left much to be desired. The stand was generally a table (often a folding or card table) that was big, heavy, and often difficult to transport, particularly for children. Further, in order to advertise what was occurring at the table, those working the table would often have to make signs, tablecloths, or other placards to advertise. While this allowed an outlet for creativity, the signs were often flimsy and tore easily (such as when made on rolls of butcher paper) or were relatively small due to the constraints of board material available. Further, the stand was not really a toy. Instead, it was a collection of adult items that was simply used by children as a toy similar to a sofa cushion fort.

One clear problem with the retail stand as it has stood is that it is not nearly as attractive, or of the common shape, with the stand as displayed in popular culture. Instead, it tends to look like simply an out of place table. The stand, as it is commonly depicted in fiction, is a much more permanent structure (akin to a fruit stand) often made of wood or other building materials. While such a stand can be readily made to allow children to play, it is often problematic for the parents as it can be very difficult to store, and children can notoriously flip between activities and loose interest in using the stand very quickly.

SUMMARY

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this section is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein are embodiments of a retail stand toy that provides for an attractive and sturdy structure, but which can be readily broken down into a folded up arrangement and stored or transported. The stand is generally intended to be a toy so that children can have a retail stand that they can decorate and play with, but which parents can readily collapse and store in a compact fashion when they move on to something else. The stand is sufficiently inexpensive to construct that if it becomes damaged, it can be thrown out or recycled, while still allowing for multiple uses if it is used with a reasonable degree of care.

There is described herein, among other things, a collapsible retail stand toy, the toy comprising: a storage box; and a stand, the stand comprising: a base; at least one pole; and a signage portion; wherein said pole attaches said signage portion to said base in spaced relation thereto; wherein, components of the stand can be collapsed and folded up repeatedly to fit in said box, and can be repeatedly removed from said box and folded into said stand.

In an embodiment of the toy, the base includes a reinforcing portion.

In an embodiment of the toy, the reinforcing portion comprises multiple sheets of material interwoven into a multi-cell honeycomb arrangement.

In an embodiment of the toy, the at least one pole comprises two poles.

In an embodiment of the toy, the two poles are mounted inside two corners of said base.

In an embodiment of the toy, the stand is constructed of cardboard.

In an embodiment of the toy, the box is constructed of cardboard.

In an embodiment of the toy, the base and said signage portion include decorative elements.

In an embodiment of the toy, the base comprises a rear wall portion and a front and side wall portion.

In an embodiment of the toy, the base comprises a lid.

In an embodiment of the toy, the signage portion is arranged at a top of said at least one pole.

In an embodiment of the toy, the signage portion includes a curled portion enclosing a hollow volume into which is placed at said top of said at least one pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1J show a sequence of images to illustrate the assembly of an embodiment of a retail stand toy from its folded up position to its assembled use position.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an assembled retail stand toy.

FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 2 with the box.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a retail stand toy in use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

While it is contemplated that the retail stand discussed herein is primarily a toy, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that it can be used for traditional retail purposes and can be used by adults as well.

FIG. 3 provides an embodiment of the retail stand toy (100) in its assembled (ready-to-use form) along with the storage and transportation box (200) that is designed to house it. These components are shown in greater detail in the other figures.

FIG. 3 provides an embodiment of the storage and transportation box (200) that the stand (100) may be placed in. The box (200) is relatively large, but is designed for easy transport and storage by providing the toy (100) with a compact, linear, stackable, shape. While it is not required, in an embodiment the box (200) includes a carrying handle (201) to allow the box (and the stand (100 therein) to be readily transported by hand.

The box (200) is preferably assembled of a semi-rigid material which is capable of supporting weight but which is relatively light. In the depicted embodiments, the box (200) is cardboard but similar materials such as, but not limited to, light plastic sheets, coroplast (corrugated plastic), and even thin metals can be used. Generally, the box will be constructed of similar materials to the stand (100) but this is by no means required. In an alternative embodiment, the stand may be constructed of more expensive and more durable materials than the box (200). In such an embodiment, the box would generally be more disposable and may not be used for storage but only for sale of the stand (100).

In the preferred embodiment, the box (200) is sufficiently strong and rigid to be used both as the original sales box of the stand (100), but also to act as a storage and transportation box for storing and transporting the stand (100) between uses. The box (200) is generally significantly lighter and easier to carry than a table (even a folding table) and therefore provides the stand (100) with ready portability.

Components of the stand (100) are packed in the box (200) as originally retailed and the bow is generally suitable for storage or transport. As can be seen in FIG. 1, by reversing or following the steps of construction, the stand (100) can be readily folded and unfolded to provide for ready storage and transportation. In order to provide for such ready and repeatable setup and breakdown of the stand (100), the stand will generally be constructed of a variety of assemble parts, each of which can be arranged in a variety of configurations. In an embodiment of the device made from cardboard in various shapes including score lines allowing the cardboard to be readily folded from a traditional sheet shape into a specific form. It is well known to those of ordinary skill that cardboard, when correctly arranged, can provide a very strong structure.

FIG. 1 provides an embodiment of assembly instructions for the stand (100) to place it from the disassembled or flattened state to the assembled stat of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. The instructions of FIG. 1 utilize the flattened cardboard parts as well as the poles (117) and (107). In an embodiment, the poles (107) and (117) are effectively convention cardboard tubes (e.g. shipping tubes or core tubes for wrapping paper and the like). As such, their structure is well-known.

In FIG. 1, the base (101) is assembled from two components to form the outer walls. These are the front and side wall component (111) and the rear wall component (113). Assembly occurs as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B (steps (1) and (2)) through the utilization of a tab-and slot construction. While the general outer structure (walls) of the base (101) may comprise a single piece in the manner of a standard cardboard box, it is generally preferred that multiple pieces be used as this can allow this piece, which is generally the largest to fold, to fit into a smaller space. Thus, utilizing the components (111) and (113) the box (200) can generally be smaller than if a standard box arrangement was used.

Once the outer walls (111) and (113) of the base have been assembled, the reinforcing portion (103) of the base (101) is assembled in step (3) as shown in FIG. 1C. The reinforcing portion (103) comprises multiple pieces (in the depicted embodiment, five) which are connected in an intersecting fashion to form a multi-cell arrangement or honeycomb. Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, there are two long cardboard sheets (121) and three short cardboard sheets (131). Each of the long sheets (121) includes three independent slots (123) extending generally about half way through the width and each to the short sheets include two slots (133) extending generally about halfway through the width. The long (121) and short (131) sheets are interwoven by placing the slots against each other and then sliding the pieces together (in the manner of a wine box as is known to those of ordinary skill) into a square honeycomb pattern as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D as steps (3) and (4). This reinforcing portion (103) is then placed into the base (101) with the sheets (121) and (131) edge on. Thus, the base (101) is very resistant to crushing forces in a vertical (e.g. into the top (151)) direction. FIG. 1D shows a view of the base (101) with the reinforcing portion (103) being placed internal thereto.

In FIG. 1F, the process of step (6) provides that the top (105) of the base (101) is folded together. The top (105) comprises a standard box top with rails (115) which extend downward from a flat base (151) on all four sides. The base (101) is completed by placing the top (105) on one side of the base (101) as indicated in FIG. 1G as step (7). As should be apparent the surface (151) will be quite solid as it is reinforced by the presence of the rails (115) and contact with the reinforcing portion (103). At step (7), as is visible in FIG. 1G, the base (101) has essentially been completed and the user is provided with a reinforced box structure.

As shown in FIG. 1H, in step (8), poles (117) are inserted into corresponding holes in the top (105). The poles (117) include a joiner portion (171) which will generally comprise a cylinder of slight smaller diameter which is inserted (in a temporary or permanent fashion) into one end of the poles (117). This joiner specifically has an outer diameter very close to the inner diameter of the poles (117) and poles (107). As can be best seen in FIG. 1G, to provide for vertical support of the poles (117) and eventually (107), the front and side wall (111) may include, at the corner, a push-in portion (173). This portion (173) provides for the poles (117) to be positioned and held in the corner of the wall (111) in a fashion that the poles (117) cannot readily move away from the corner (in a horizontal direction) when positioned. This can keep the signage (109) from tipping when the stand (100) is assembled.

As shown in FIGS. 1H and 1J, the poles (117) are generally inserted through a hole in the top (105), down against the front and side walls (111) interacting with the inside of the corner, and will then pass through the cutout portion and return back to the inside corner. In this way the material of the push-in portion (173) will end up on the opposing sides of the poles (117) from the remaining material of the corner forcing the pole (117) into an upright position (a position generally perpendicular to the top (151) and parallel to the outer walls (111) and (113)).

As shown in FIG. 1I, in step (9) the signage portion (109) is folded. In this embodiment, the signage portion (105) comprises a flat surface (149) with a curled portion (119) and a bent portion (129) on opposing sides. The curled portion (119) encloses a hollow volume and allows for cardboard poles (107) to slide into the hollow portion and be held securely as shown in step (9). The pole (107) will generally not slide all the way through the curled portion (119), but will hit an upper surface (193) as shown in FIG. 1I which maintains the signage portion (109) in a fixed position at the top of the poles (107). The bent portion (129) also goes over the poles (107) to maintain the signage portion against the poles (107) with the surface (149) generally parallel to the poles (107).

In step (10) the signage portion (105) and pole (107) assembly is connected to the base (101) by connecting the poles (107) to the joiners (171) as shown in FIG. 1J. This is accomplished by sliding the joiners (171) into the hollow interior of poles (107). This effectively makes the poles (117) and (107) one continuous piece.

The assembled stand (100) is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. As should be apparent, the base (101) comprises a box which is generally of a height to allow a child to sit or stand behind it and use surface (151) as a serving or working surface as shown in FIG. 4. The signage portion (109) is arranged at the top of the poles (117) and (107) and serves to advertise the product being provided in a standard fashion. As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the stand (100) is immediately identifiable as being a lemonade stand structure.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the base (101) and signage portion (109) each include large flat generally vertical forward-facing surfaces (141) and (149). These surfaces (141) and (149) can be provided plain, as seen in FIG. 2 or may be pre-decorated. FIG. 4 shows embodiments of how the surfaces (141) and (149) as well as other part of the stand (100) may be decorated. This decoration may come in the form of printing on the stand (100), as a sticker or other wrap which may be applied to the stand (100), or may be done as a “color-by-number” or colorable line drawing among other things. Alternatively, the blank surface may be provided allowing children to decorate their stand (100) in any way they choose. As the stand (100) will generally be cardboard or similar material, it can be readily decorated using standard children's art supplies including, but not limited to, crayons, markers, stickers, glue and related materials. In one embodiment, the stand (100) is provided with corporate branding as part of its decoration and, thus, a particular brand of lemonade, for instance, may be featured and the associated product may be provided in the box (200) initially, or a coupon may be provided for it. In another embodiment, the stand (100) may be designed to allow for decorations to be readily removed and modified. For example, the surfaces (141) and (149) may be glossy and dry erase markers may be used to decorate them.

FIG. 4 provides an embodiment of the stand (100) after it has been decorated and is now in use as a toy. As should be apparent the stand (100) provides a very professional looking toy which is readily identifiable as a child's lemonade stand. Further, by allowing for various forms of decoration, the stand can be modified by the child to advertise whatever product they are selling at the stand. Once play with the stand (100) has been completed in FIG. 4, the stand (100) can be broken down by reversing the steps of FIG. 1 to allow for the pieces to be unfolded and returned to the storage box (200). The stand (100) can then be readily stored for future use.

While the invention has been disclosed in connection with certain preferred embodiments, this should not be taken as a limitation to all of the provided details. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and other embodiments should be understood to be encompassed in the present disclosure as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. 

1. A collapsible retail stand toy, the toy comprising: a storage box; and a stand, the stand comprising: a base; at least one pole; and a signage portion; wherein said pole attaches said signage portion to said base in spaced relation thereto; wherein, components of the stand can be collapsed and folded up repeatedly to fit in said box, and can be repeatedly removed from said box and folded into said stand.
 2. The toy of claim 1 wherein said base includes a reinforcing portion.
 3. The toy of claim 2 wherein said reinforcing portion comprises multiple sheets of material interwoven into a multi-cell honeycomb arrangement.
 4. The toy of claim 1 wherein said at least one pole comprises two poles.
 5. The top of claim 4 wherein said two poles are mounted inside two corners of said base.
 6. The toy of claim 1 wherein said stand is constructed of cardboard.
 7. The toy of claim 1 wherein said box is constructed of cardboard.
 8. The toy of claim 1 wherein said base and said signage portion include decorative elements.
 9. The toy of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a rear wall portion and a front and side wall portion.
 10. The toy of claim 1 wherein said base comprises a lid.
 11. The toy of claim 1 wherein said signage portion is arranged at a top of said at least one pole.
 12. The toy of claim 11 wherein said signage portion includes a curled portion enclosing a hollow volume into which is placed at said top of said at least one pole. 